1. WHAT IS CONSIDERED CONFIDENTIAL PATIENT INFORMATION? Information that is not publically available that has been disclosed in confidence between a patient and healthcare professional regarding their medical history, with the understanding that their privacy will be respected (DoH 2003). WHAT IS CONSIDERED CONFIDENTIAL PATIENT INFORMATION? Information that is not publically available that has been disclosed in confidence between a patient and healthcare professional regarding their medical history, with the understanding that their privacy will be respected (DoH 2003). “To be entrusted with private information ” ( Oxford English Dictionary 2000 ) Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the relationship between the healthcare professional and the patient; it is an issue that affects each and every one of us as individuals. Within the outpatient department patient confidentiality is paramount and must not be compromised. Patients need to be confident that all information regarding their medical history will be held in the strictest confidence in accordance with both national guidelines and local health board policies. CONFIDENTIALITY AND THE ROLE OF THE HEALTHCARE SUPPORT WORKER IN THE OUTPATIENT SETTING Within the outpatient department the healthcare support worker plays a vital role, accountable for their own actions working alongside the qualified nurse, adhering to the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers in Wales (WAG 2011). On a daily basis they carry out a variety of duties, accepting delegated tasks that both they and the qualified nurse feel that they are competent to carry out in accordance with principles of the All Wales Guidelines for Delegation (WAG 2010). Chaperoning patients can be quite a sensitive time for the patient and can provide the opportunity to share information. Should this information be passed on to a third party? By promoting an increased awareness of confidentiality among all healthcare professionals working within the outpatient department, will allow our patients, families and carers to feel secure in the knowledge that the information they are affording us will be held in the strictest confidence. Our patients can be confident in the fact that information will only be shared when absolutely necessary with informed consent. The GMC (2009) Confidentiality is central to trust between Doctors and patients. Without assurances about confidentiality patients may be reluctant to seek medical attention, or give Doctors the information they need in order to provide good care, but appropriate information sharing is essential to the efficient provision of safe, effective care both for the individual patient and for the wider community of patients. The GMC (2009) Confidentiality is central to trust between Doctors and patients. Without assurances about confidentiality patients may be reluctant to seek medical attention, or give Doctors the information they need in order to provide good care, but appropriate information sharing is essential to the efficient provision of safe, effective care both for the individual patient and for the wider community of patients. The Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers in Wales (2011) Respect a person’s right to confidentiality, protecting and upholding their privacy. The Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers in Wales (2011) Respect a person’s right to confidentiality, protecting and upholding their privacy. The NMC Code of Conduct (2008) You must respect people’s right to confidentiality. You must ensure people are informed about how and why information is shared by those who are providing their care. You must disclose information if you believe someone may be at risk of harm, in line with the law of the country in which you are practicing. The NMC Code of Conduct (2008) You must respect people’s right to confidentiality. You must ensure people are informed about how and why information is shared by those who are providing their care. You must disclose information if you believe someone may be at risk of harm, in line with the law of the country in which you are practicing. WHEN CAN CONFIDENTIALITY BE BROKEN? There are indeed times when it is necessary to disclose patients confidential information this can be carried out in situations where, the patients has given their consent, where it is in the best interest of the public and when disclosure is required by law (Korgaonkar and Tribe 2004). WHEN CAN CONFIDENTIALITY BE BROKEN? There are indeed times when it is necessary to disclose patients confidential information this can be carried out in situations where, the patients has given their consent, where it is in the best interest of the public and when disclosure is required by law (Korgaonkar and Tribe 2004). WHAT IS A BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY? A breach of confidentiality is when patient information or documentation has been given to someone outside the healthcare professionals involved in a patients care. This is a serious matter that could possibly lead to disciplinary action requiring supportive evidence as to why it was felt necessary to breach confidentiality. All healthcare professional are bound by a duty of care to uphold patient confidentiality. WHAT IS A BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY? A breach of confidentiality is when patient information or documentation has been given to someone outside the healthcare professionals involved in a patients care. This is a serious matter that could possibly lead to disciplinary action requiring supportive evidence as to why it was felt necessary to breach confidentiality. All healthcare professional are bound by a duty of care to uphold patient confidentiality. WHY DO WE NEED TO SHARE INFORMATION? At times certain patient information needs to be shared to other healthcare professionals directly involved in their care so that the most appropriate treatment can be given. This can be implemented with implied consent where the patient is fully understanding of why and to whom the information will be shared (NMC 2008). WHY DO WE NEED TO SHARE INFORMATION? At times certain patient information needs to be shared to other healthcare professionals directly involved in their care so that the most appropriate treatment can be given. This can be implemented with implied consent where the patient is fully understanding of why and to whom the information will be shared (NMC 2008). References Compact Oxford English Dictionary (2000) Soanes, C. (2 nd edn) Oxford. Oxford University Press. Department of Health (2003) NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice [Online] Available at:http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4069253 (Accessed on 26th April 2011). General Medical Council (GMC)(2009) [Online] Available at: http://www.gmc- uk.org/static/documents/content/Confidentiality_0910pdf (Accessed on 26th April 2011). Korgaonkar G. And Tribe D. (1994) Confidentiality, Patients and the Law. British Journal of Nursing. 3(2): 91-93. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)(2008) The Code: Standards of conduct performance and ethics for nurses and midwives [Online] Available at: http://www.nmc-uk.org/aArticle.aspx?ArticleID=3057 (Accessed on 26th April 2011). Welsh Assembly Government (2011) The Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers in Wales. Cardiff, Welsh Assembly Government. Welsh Assembly Government (2010) All Wales Guidelines for Delegation. National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Health (NLIAH), NHS Wales. 09045937 DO’S Respect people’s right to confidentiality Keep medical notes secure, those notes required for doctor consultation to be kept in a private designated area Care in progress signs to be placed on consultation room doors to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Patient information needing to be disposed of should be placed in the confidential waste. DONT’S XLeave medical notes unattended XLeave consultation room doors open XDiscuss patient information in corridors or public areas XLeave computer screens on displaying patient information